Category Archives: Hotel of the Week

The Blakes Hotel. London, UK

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During my journey to London, I searched the city high and low for new hotels to add to the Posh Voyage London guide. Through my travels, I discovered The Blakes Hotel- an incredibly unique property located between South Kensington and Chelsea.

The Blakes Hotel made its grand opening in the late 1970’s as one of the first boutique hotels. Where Asian-chic meets classic British design, the decor is eccentric and unlike that of any hotel in London. Rooms are individually themed- ranging from British Raj to Egyptian paradise-which makes for an exceptional stay.

Although the Blakes is located in the quiet residential area of South Kensington, guests are just seconds away from the hustle-and-bustle of London’s hip area, Chelsea. A five-minute stroll can take you to the stylist Brompton Cross where stores range from individual boutiques to high-end department stores like Harrod’s. In addition, the Blakes is closely located to some of London’s most famous recreational areas like Hyde Park or the Kensington Gardens.

Once you finish exploring the hotel, be sure to make a reservation at the Blakes restaurant for a dinning experience that mixes Thai cuisine with Mediterranean tapas. The walls of this stylist restaurant are lined with exotic bird feathers from regions like the rainforest of South America. But the highlight of my stay was afternoon tea in the Japanese Garden where guests are offered a variety of teatime classics like scones, petit fours and cucumber sandwiches accompanied with a wide-selection of teas.

Thus, for an unforgettable stay in London, be sure to check out the Blakes Hotel!

 

Photographs courtesy of the property.

Belmond Afloat in France. France

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Attention s’il vous plait: Want to see France in a completely different light? Well, you’ve come to the right place! While the Eiffel Tower and Louvre are must-sees on any traveler’s bucket list, Belmond Afloat in France(formerly known as Orient Express) has created an out-of-this-world travel experience for those looking for a completely unique French experience.

Afloat in France was designed to show travelers the splendor of the French Countryside, while floating down the crisscrossing waterways on a luxury barge. With stunning landscape, delicious meals and hearty wines, this travel experience is a must for all Posh Voyage travelers.

You can choose one of the 5 luxury barges (also known as péniche-hôtels) as your transportation through the heart of France. Each péniche-hôtel offers it’s own route throughout the French countryside, so there is no repeat experience on any of the 5 barges. When it comes to the itinerary, the choice is yours. You can direct the barge anywhere you like!

Each péniche-hôtel is equipped with a sundeck and lounge area, bicycles for on-land excursions and a crew and chef to be at your beck and call. Onboard, guests will experience gourmet French dining where regional wine and cheese are a staple of every meal. Spend one day truffle hunting and bring back your finds for that evening’s dinner!

Even better, the crew of each péniche-hôtel works, not only as a wait staff, but also as a concierge service to ensure that guests onboard accomplish all they desire on their vacation. For example, those traveling throughout Béziers receive an itinerary designed specifically to showcase the region’s famous wine and bull-fighting. Ride bikes down this quiet town’s small roads and discover hidden cafes where you can enjoy a chocolate croissant and cappuccino, and later marvel at views of the Orb River and Canal du Midi.

So, for all those travelers out there looking to indulge in all the decadence France has to offer, Afloat in France is the ideal vacation for you!

 

Photographs courtesy of the property.

The Berkeley Hotel. London, UK

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The Berkeley Hotel, which has been the go-to spot among jet-set celebrities for more than 100 years, is my new favorite home away from home when in London.

Located in the fashionable Knightsbridge District, the laid back yet luxurious feel throughout the hotel is the main reason why I love this hotel. The impeccable service and décor gives it a homey vibe, minus the stress of being at home. If fact, it is so homey that if you forget your laptop or cell phone, they have one ready for you, as well as sheets of paper with your company logo freshly printed.

The timeless style of the hotel is incredibly distinctive. It is by no means the most elegant or grandest hotel in London, however it is considered the best by many. The guest-rooms are chic and fresh, as well as spacious. My favorite room is the Superior Junior Suite featuring different tones of white and lavender colors. The spacious white marble bathroom is so gorgeous; you will want to stay in there all day.

After a hectic day at my two favorite stores down the street (Harrods and Harvey Nichols), a drink at The Blue Bar is a must. The award winning bar has over 50 different whiskies to choose from, and coming from a Whisky lover, this is the main reason why I fell in-love with the hotel.

The hotel is also home to two of the most popular restaurants in London: Koffmann’s and Marcus Wareing. When I travel, I usually like eating outside of the hotel, however this is one of the few times you realize the restaurants at the hotel are the ones worth going to. The Two-Michelin star restaurant, Marcus Wareing, is superb, specially the Herdwick lamb, polenta, sea purslane and garlic entree.

Nevertheless, what is even more fantastic is the fashionable afternoon tea, also known as Prêt-à-Portea at The Caramel Room. Prêt-à-Portea sweets are inspired by Manolo Blahnik, Oscar de la Renta, Jason Wu among other fashion designers. The menu is transformed every six months to follow the changing seasons in fashion.

The Berkeley also houses a world-class spa, with all kinds of heavenly therapies and treatments for relaxation, health and beauty.

If you are interested in any fun events happening during your stay in London, don’t forget to check the Modern British Social Calendar.

 

Photographs courtesy of the property.

Hotel Demetria. Guadalajara, Mexico.

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If you happen to be heading for the first time to Guadalajara, better known as the Silicon Valley of Mexico, get ready for a pleasant surprise. Guadalajara is not only the third largest economy in Mexico, but is also the heart of the beloved Tequila, Mariachis, soccer and the decadent torta ahogada.

When you touch down, you will notice that while Guadalajara is a modern city, it has managed to keep alive the folklore of Jalisco most of us love; music, gastronomy, traditions, architecture and a strong sense of religious ties.

Demetria, the uber modern hotel I stayed in, blended in with the surroundings in a peculiar way. Located in the heart of an old residential area, the modern glass structure is sandwiched in between two historic houses, which later Ivan Cordero (the owner) would buy in order to preserve the historical architecture.

The hotel is home to a total of 37 rooms, and 6 apartments that boast a classic French and Spanish style, with minimalist designs that feature dark stones, cement panels and very little furniture. In fact, no furniture at all throughout the lobby, which can be inconvenient when in need of somewhere to sit after a busy day.

The hotel’s restaurant, also called Demetria, is the go-to spot for residents as well as guests when in need of a simple and elegant environment. I have to say, being a finicky amante del café, the cappuccinos knocked my socks off. It is the second best coffee, after Buvette in New York.

My favorite nook was a bookshop located above the restaurant. The space specializes in fine books and arts, where students and art lovers can combine the pleasure of reading and sipping a magnificent coffee.

Most of the rooms are different, but if I had to choose, I would say book the Master Suite for its enormous tub, and its sophisticated sitting area in the bathroom. However, if you are not pinching your pennies, stay at the Demetria Suite. It goes for a hefty $1,600 USD a night, but it is well worth it if you want to impress your lady or a group of friends.

 

Photographs courtesy of the property.

The Mark Hotel. New York City, New York.

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If strolling around the Upper East Side, having coffee at Sant Ambroeus, shopping along Madison Ave, or jogging around Central Park is your cup of tea, I suggest you leave whatever you are doing, hop on a flight and check-in to UES the Upper East Side Mecca, The Mark Hotel.

When you walk in to the hotel, you will quickly notice that this is a place to see and be seen for the fashion, art and film industries. Looking around you can observe that the design was a big part of the project, mixing the best of the French, American and Art Deco styles.

The Mark is fashion icon Anna Wintour’s favorite address when in need of a hotel, and you might also spot Katie Holmes, Russell Crowe, Mark Jacobs or Kelly Ripa to name a few. However, the hotel not only has the most divine guest-rooms, it also boasts the one and only Jean-George restaurant, a chic Freddik Fekkai hair salon, and an Assouline luxury book store.

When I walked into the hotel early in the morning, the lobby’s graphic checkerboard floor and stunning pieces of art created an epiphany: “This is my new favorite hotel in New York”. As I approached the front desk, a dozen sets of eyeballs were following me, ready to jump to my assistance if need be. After a fun weekend at The Hamptons, that was the exact kind of service I desperately needed.

I requested my favorite newspaper, a caramel macaroon from Laduree, and the paramount room service breakfast in the history of hotels: belgian waffles with a sliced banana, mixed berries, maple syrup and perfectly salty butter. Another favorite among the regulars are the lamb chops with fresh tomato BBQ sauce for dinner.

Upon resting my dancing feet from the night before, I started my usual hotel tour for this article.

I have to say everything was perfection, but the best part of the whole property (even better than my pancakes) was the glamorous art-deco bathroom. The deep soaking tub is big enough to have a party, and the shower water pressure is so strong, you will come out clean without using the soap once… don’t get me wrong, I did use it, but the thought did cross my mind.

The hotel is ideally situated in the heart of old New York, so put on some comfy shoes and walk over to the endless museum options: The Met, Guggenheim, The Whitney or The Frick. Another favorite activity among the guests is ordering a picnic basket from the hotel, and biking over to Central Park for a charming picnic under the warm summer sun.

 

Photographs courtesy of the property.

Palazzo Margherita. Bernalda, Italy

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My absolute favorite Hollywood director has opened the doors of yet another breathtaking property, a charming palazzo in Southern Italy.

Francis Ford Coppola created a dynasty in Hollywood, and now he is taking the hoteliers around the world by storm with his ever-growing hotel brand in Belize, Guatemala, Argentina, the U.S. and now in Italy.

Since the Godfather, Coppola’s desire to have an Italian villa was on the top of his list. The 19th century Palazzo Margherita Villa is located in the town of Bernalda, where Coppola’s grandfather was born. This enchanting corner in the real Italian country features magical gardens that set the tone for what will be your favorite getaway spot from now on.

When you set foot in the superb main salon for either tea, evening films or to just to read a good book, you will understand why I am dying for this to be my new home away from home.

The nine guest-rooms are nothing short of a tiny palace. Every detail is perfectly thought out; from the background music, to the fantastic food, everything is tailored to your preference. Oh, and did I mention they have cinema nights? The main salon is turned into a private screening room so guests can watch Coppola’s personal collection of more than 300 Italian films.

Suite nine and suite four are out of a Marie Antoinette movie decorated with pastel colors and jaw-dropping decor. The frescos and romantic fireplaces pair perfectly with a good local bottle of red wine, so coming with your better half is a must.

My favorite part of the palazzo is that their kitchen is always open, and meals are tailored to your preference. Guests can enjoy traditional Southern Italian cooking or a delicious casual meal served in the Cinecittà Bar, the Salon, or next to the swimming pool.

You can eat in the kitchen after your cooking class. The local chefs give daily, hands-on classes demonstrating how to prepare typical regional dishes.

At the front of the Palazzo, the Cinecittà Bar is a traditional cafe and pizzeria that spills out onto Bernalda’s main street and looks onto the town square. It is a perfect spot for people-watching, mingling with the local community and sipping their delicious Italian coffee.

 

Photographs courtesy of the property.

The Jefferson Hotel. Washington DC

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If you are a regular reader of Posh Voyage, you will find that the hotels I usually write about are not only the best in the city, but also hidden gems that give you a sense of uniqueness.

Let me start by saying that this 91-room hotel is President Obama’s go-to spot when hosting lavish dinners; after all, it is only 4 blocks away from The White House. He has been at the hotel 17 times in the past 2 years, so you can imagine the fun stories the Manager shared with me about the Secret Service.

The Jefferson Hotel is reminiscent of walking into your own historic home (minus the tired rooms). A complete renovation in 2009 has achieved the perfect balance between a historic and a fresh hotel. From heavenly rooms to drop-dead gorgeous bathrooms, the Milstein family did it exactly right.

The location is perfection—close enough to the key locations, but far away enough to unwind after a busy day. The hotel’s décor was inspired by its namesake, so if you are a history lover, walking through the halls will prove to be quite a treat, with original documents signed by Thomas Jefferson decorating the walls.

My room was a breath of fresh air; the light colors, floor to ceiling windows, the classical music playing and the welcome amenities set the tone for my relaxing evening.
When walking in, the gorgeous Plume restaurant beams with romantic touches like candlelight’s and peonies. Plume is the signature restaurant that hosts the most decadent dinners in DC. My personal favorite dish is the Maryland blue crab risotto. Tip: Though its an appetizer, it’s so good you can ask for an entree-sized portion instead.

With a 2:1 staff to guest ratio, you will find that whatever you need is, it will be met as soon as your are finishing your sentence, literally. I checked-out of the hotel at 5am and called the Valet to have my car ready. As expected, my car was already in the front, with a cup of fresh brewed coffee and 2 members of the staff saying goodbye with smiles that belonged to the 5pm shift.

At the end of our meeting, I asked the Manager how they prepare the hotel for The President, Senators and other politicians. He gave me the following insight:
“From a preparation standpoint, we have become very efficient after hosting the President so many times! The most obvious and detailed preparations concern the security of the President, which the Secret Service spearheads”.

“Initial preparations typically begin a couple of days before and continue right until the moment he arrives. While the President’s security is clearly of the utmost importance, we insist that our other guests be treated with the respect that they deserve, and the Secret Service and White House have done an excellent job of allowing our other guests to enjoy their stay with minimal interruption while still maintaining the proper security levels.” I can attest to that, for as far as my personal experience, I felt like the First Lady during my stay.

While I might not agree with Obama on all of his decisions, staying at The Jefferson is one that I fully support!

 

Photographs courtesy of the property.

Shangri-La Hotel. Paris, France

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Flowers, pastel colors and fairytale rooms are just the just right combination for the parfait mother’s day voyage.

It’s in a city where food is more appetizing, love is more fervent, and fashion is more creative. Any ideas? You guessed right, my beloved Paris. A city in which no matter what tasteful corner you turn on, it will always take your breath away.

After carefully researching for my dream hotel (if I were a mother of a human and not my dear puppy), I came up with the most enchanting property ever, Shangri-La Paris.
It was built in 1896 by Napoleon’s grandnephew, Prince Roland Bonaparte, so you can be sure that luxury emerges from every corner of the hotel.

As you walk in through the ever-so-French elegant façade, the royal treatment will begin in this quiet residential area of the 16th arrondissement.

The best part of the whole stay is walking into your room and seeing before you the finest view of the iconic Eiffel Tower welcoming you to the city of lights. Oddly enough Prince Bonaparte was not a big fan of his knockout view, so he asked for his master bedroom to be built in the opposite direction.

Yes, the guestrooms are superb, but the bathrooms are something else. They feature marble bathrooms, gorgeous floor to ceiling windows (which I love), heated floors, rainfall showers and silk-threaded wallpaper. The silver accents and orchids complete the tasteful and lavish look.

The service is so exquisitely detailed and precise, that from the moment you set foot in the hotel, you will feel like you are living in your Parisian mansion. Note that a few dozen uber-qualified staff will be at your service at all times. They also make you feel that their sole purpose of existence is to please you, which is pretty awesome.

Dining has to be the best part. The hotel currently lays claim to two Michelin rated restaurants: L’Abeille and Shang Palace. Executive Chef Philippe Labbé of L’Abeille was also recognized as the Cuisinier de l’Année 2013, which basically means he is the best cook in Paris. Quite an accomplishment I would say.

Since I like saving the best for last, I left the Spa for the end. This was the final piece in my puzzle in order to rate this hotel as the best and most luxurious new hotel in Paris.

 

Photographs courtesy of the property.

La Villa Gallici. Aix-en-Provence, France

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Time stood still at this quintessential hotel in Aix-en-Provence. This 18th century Provençal house and its surroundings (member of Relais et Châteaux) were once Paul Cezanne’s inspiration to paint the complex fields he is so renown for.

The typical original French furniture, fabric, smell and cuisine welcome you to a destination you will never want to leave. Once you walk outside and see the seven-acre garden, relaxing pool and the quaint lounge areas, you will fall in love with Villa Gallici, the way all their guests do.

Each bedroom was exquisitely decorated with its own charm, however, the Classic King Room that happens to be the most economical room, is terrific.

What I found to be the most impressive fact of this historical Inn, is that most of the objects you use during your stay date back to the 18th century, hence treat them with utter care and no red wine in the sofa!

Now, I saved the best for last… dinner. The testing seasonal menu feature Mediterranean and Provencal delights. The favorite is the duck with white truffle honey.

 

Photographs courtesy of the property.

Shutters on the Beach. Santa Monica, California.

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Located in sunny Santa Monica, this gorgeous beachhouse-esque hotel is located directly on beach with only a few yards of sand separating you from the great Pacific Ocean. This is my personal favorite hotel located in the Santa Monica area. With its SoCal ease and its luxury appeal, Shutters makes you feel at home and like you never want to leave. Celebrities flock to this cool hotel; I have spotted both Reese Witherspoon and Adam Levine having a low-key lunch at their beachside café, One Pico.

The rooms are nothing short of cozy chic, big fluffy comforters dress the bed, a Tibetan rug sits atop the hardwood floor, and the bookcase is stocked with a library and keepsakes to give it that at-home feel. The hotel itself gives off an open and airy feeling that will have you relaxed the moment you step through the doors. Their spa, One The Spa, has effective products and luxury treatments designed by red flower and Omorovicza. Looking for something a little more upbeat? Shutters offers yoga on the sand and even surf lessons!

If you’re in the mood for a ladies brunch, One Pico is the place for you. All their food is locally sourced and completely organic, as is the California style. If you’re looking for something a little more casual, come to the Living Room. They have early morning breakfast, afternoon tea, and a relaxing happy hour with famed mixologist Tricia Alley. Enjoy jazz piano every Sunday at Monday beginning at 6pm. Coast is my personal favorite restaurant within the hotel. With its sparkling ceiling Christmas lights or its ivy growing on the walls, this café and bar is sure to impress, they even have a Cirque du Soleil themed dinner!

This hotel is in the hub of the nightlife and activities in Santa Monica. It is a short 10-minute walk to the 6th street promenade where there is amazing shopping sure to consume your day. Take your children to the Santa Monica Pier, located 5 minutes down the beach. Or stay by the pool, with its ocean views and private cabanas; this hotel might be the dream home that you never want to leave.

 

Photographs courtesy of the property.